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SPANISH FLU (1918-20) AND CORONA PANDEMIC (2019-?)

A Forgotten Episode of Human History

Public memory is proverbially short. Almost none of my friends know much about the Spanish Flu, which ravaged mankind a hundred years ago. The few, who had heard about it, thought that it was confined to Europe. I first learnt about it when I was studying the demographics of India for some other subject. Given below is a table of the population of India (undivided, until 1941 and Bharat, after that)) during the last century. You will not fail to observe that in 1921, the population was less than what it was in 1911. During the rest of the century, the decadal growth was, persistently on the incline. The main cause for this decline was a pandemic which is known as “Spanish Flu 1918-20”

Source: Census of India

The Spanish Flu

At the time when this epidemic struck the world, the First World War was at its peak. We Indians were fighting on two fronts: assisting our British masters in Europe, and fighting for our freedom back home. With events like the Jalianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, the flu was not talked about, even though millions of Indians were afflicted by this disease and a very large number of people died. Newspapers were the only source of information, and the press was controlled by the British rulers.

Fatalities Caused by the Spanish Flu

The Spanish flu (also known as the 1918 flu pandemic) was an unusually deadly influenza pandemic. Lasting from January 1918 to December 1920, it infected 500 million people – about a quarter of the world’s population at the time. The death toll is estimated to have been anywhere from 17 million to 50 million, and possibly as high as 100 million, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.

To maintain morale, World War I censors minimized early reports of illness and mortality in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. Newspapers were free to report the epidemic’s effects in neutral Spain, such as the grave illness of King Alfonso XIII, and these stories created a false impression of Spain as especially hard hit. This gave rise to the name Spanish flu. Historical and epidemiological data are inadequate to identify with certainty the pandemic’s geographic origin, with varying views as to its location. The fatalities of different countries are shown in the graph below.

A Salient Feature of the Spanish Flu

A great deal of research has been done on the onset and progress of this highly infectious illness. It struck in three waves over a period of well over two years. The time line and gravity are shown in the graph given below:

Most epidemics strike the children and the elders more than young persons. But this one killed more men in their youth. This could be due to the fact that during the epidemic younger men had been conscripted during the war. This is evident from the following graph:

Spain was NOT the Epicentre of this Flu

Contrary to the popular belief the pandemic of 1918 – 20 did not originate in Spain. It is now generally agreed that the disease which was later identified as the H1N1 virus began in the trenches of World War I. The soldiers carried it to their countries. Media in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States and elsewhere played down the impact on their own country in a bid to keep up morale. Newspapers were either directly controlled by national governments or keen to self-censor in the interest of patriotism at a time of war. However, Spain remained neutral during the conflict and its papers freely reported the outbreak. They all happily reported on events in Spain – leading many to incorrectly presume that the Iberian Peninsula was the epicenter.

Life during the Flu, in pictures

Some pictures that tell the tale of the period are given below:

This is a picture of a sign on a bus in the USA

Masks were made compulsory. Please note that in India, Jains have been wearing them since times immemorial

The victims were buried in ‘Mass Graves’ with no funeral.

End of the Spanish Flu

I spent a great deal of time trying to research how the Spanish flu was finally overpowered by our ancestors. There is no clear answer in the published literature. It appears that epidemics of this category end due to one or a combination of the following reasons:

People develop immunity to the virus, and they learn how to deal with the ailment.

Public health department develops techniques to fight with the virus.

The doctors discover new medicines or forms of treatment to cure the victims

The vulnerable members of the society die and the virus goes with them

The Corona Pandemic

A great deal has been said and written on the current Corona pandemic. Efforts have also been made to predict the number of people likely to be afflicted with this new virus. It is widely acknowledged that medical science has not yet discovered a vaccine or effective medicine to cure this dreaded international epidemic. As far as I can see it is early yet to make any credible forecast. However, it is clear that the magnitude of the current natural calamity is frightening. A study of the Spanish flu seems to suggest that even if we are unable to contain the spread of the COVID 19 virus there is a finite possibility that it may recur in the form of subsequent waves. During the 100 years science and technology have made giant strides and there is no doubt that a solution will emerge. Life will go on and mankind will bounce back with greater and renewed aplomb.

As on the 15th Aprils, the graphs indicate that the curves have ‘flattened’ a bit. However, it is early yet to declare that the worst is behind us.

Life after Corona

There is ample evidence to suggest that the world will not be the same when the war against the present pandemic ends. At no time in the recorded history of mankind has a lockdown of the present kind been imposed. Life has virtually come to a standstill almost as if someone has pulled the plug. And for the first time, the developed countries in Europe and America are affected more than the economically backward nations. Even if we are able to check the spread of this disease it is unlikely that international travel will resume and people will begin globetrotting as before. Millions of people will have to alter their style of life. I do not know how many people will venture to go on a cruise after the experience of the famous Diamond Princess Cruise ship.

Power has a Shelf life!

A famous author observed that power and influence have a shelf life. The British Empire ruled over most of the Earth and then the Americans made us to believe that there is no world beyond the USA. Economists judge countries by their GDP which is based on the quantum of aircraft, cars, and other industrial products owned by the citizens. The so-called developed countries consume enormous quantities of fuel and they have invested fabulous amounts of money to acquire lethal weapons and equipment to subdue weaker nations. The coronavirus has demonstrated a prowess to teach a lesson to those who need it the most.

One thing is certain. You can be living in the best house, own a top of the line limousine, fly in private jets…but if COVID 19 decides to attack you, you cannot escape. It can also face the most powerful atom bomb created by man.

They say, “With money, you can purchase medicines; but you can’t buy health”

The Road Ahead

I am neither a doctor nor an astrologer. But I have the gumption to make a few predictions:

It is early yet to predict how many people will suffer illness or death as a result of the current pandemic. But I am sanguine that the figures will not be as scary as the Spanish Flu.

Health care will receive more funds. Nations may decide to cut down on their defence budgets.

Europe and the North America are likely to end up with a larger number of fatalities.

A second, or even a third wave, cannot be ruled out.

In a few months’ time, people will get used to this pandemic. Since an overwhelming majority of patients survive this disease, the scare will diminish. And no stigma will be attached to people who are tested positive in the ‘Corona test’

People will avoid crowded places. Travel will be restricted. Many people will work from home. Many educational institutions will switch to ‘online’ classes.

Travel and tourism will reduce. The cruise industry may face extinction. And those who are engaged in ‘the oldest profession’ may have to look for an alternative occupation!

They say, “To fight darkness do not draw your sword, light a candle”. And we say, “To defeat corona virus, do not quarrel with the rules and lead kindly light”

HI Sir,
What a lovely way to spend time- for the benefit of unpadh guys like us.Thank you Sir.
You’ve apparently done a lot of research to arrive at your conclusions.
Love your style of writing.
How are you doing . I had signed out of this account for over 6/7 years. Somehow discovered this account’s password today. look forward to more interaction now.
Uma is well so are both the boys and their families.
with very warm regards to Mrs Surjit too.
Jagdish

HI Sir,
What a lovely way to spend time- for the benefit of unpadh guys like us.Thank you Sir.
You’ve apparently done a lot of research to arrive at your conclusions.
Love your style of writing.
How are you doing . I had signed out of this account for over 6/7 years. Somehow discovered this account’s password today. look forward to more interaction now.
Uma is well so are both the boys and their families.
with very warm regards to Mrs Surjit too.
Jagdish

Jagdish,
Thanks.
After retiring, I tried bridge. I tried golf. Did not feel satisfied.
My father used to write. I followed in his footsteps.
Mails like your message give me the impetus to read…and write.
I can never forget the affection which I have received from you and Uma; in Gangtok as well as B’luru
Stay safe, and God bless.
Surjit

Dear Surjit,
A well researched and articulated piece. The
Parallel drawn between the two pandemics
is valid. Hopefully, with all the precautions
being taken in India we should be able to avoid
the havoc caused by Corona elsewhere

Dear JT Sir,
Thank you for circulating Gen Surjit’s write-up. The comparison drawn with the Spanish Flu is apt. The article which is a balanced piece of writing is timely, highly informative and really helpful in understanding the Coronavius Pandemic.
Through you, I wish to convey my sincere thanks and appreciation to Gen Surjit!
Kind regards,
Air Cmde M V Kannan (Retd)

Dear General
A remarkable analysis articulated beautifully.
Thanks for sharing, Sir !
I have now relocated to Noida andI have joined Bennett University Greater Noida as Registrar.
Trust you, Ma’am and all your loved ones are doing well in this testing time !
Warm regards

Sir. a very educative article not only on carona but also on population growth rate in India. I for one had never heard of the
Spanish virus. Though I am a very small entity in stature in front of you, but still I must congratulate you for the amount
of time & research put in by you. Regards Jagtar Singh

…except there’s no vaccine. We have to control the co-morbidities! Obesity, diabetes, blood-pressure, the bane of Indian society, are under our individual control. Apart from being able to control our politicians’ stupidity.

Sriram, it is good to be optimistic. However, somewhere between optimism and pessimism is realism.

A lot of people in US declared that Covid-19 is no worse than the flu. One friend of mine wanted to bet that total deaths in US would be under 10,000. Within a week, the deaths exceeded that figure. Then he wanted to bet that the deaths would not exceed 50,000. Even that figure was exceeded within 2 or 3 weeks. Today Covid-19 is the cause of the highest number of deaths in US.

Thanks for this very informative documentation—all I can say is, the future is going to be quite un-certain & specially in India where we seem to forget things quite easily & still have the ‘ chalta hai’ attitude & also brag to defy the worst !

On a different note—your tailpiece also needs very serious pondering—–one single human being carrying such viruses could be dam side more effective than a Bofor’s gun !

Well thought out and logical. Yes, this will become like the Flu and become annual reoccurrence. There will be a vaccine for it, and all elderly people will be advised to take it every winter, especially in the colder countries.

Our lives will make a 180 degree turn and we will look more inwards and outwards. A lot of unnecessary travel will stop and lives will become simpler.

Read in another post that almost all Coronavirus type illnesses ( including the Spanish Flu) originate from China. According this article, Chinese labour was brought in to dig trenches or graves or something like that. Do not remember exactly. In all probability they brough the illness with them.

The second thing that I found intriguing was the census. There was the normal population growth between 1941 and 1951 despite the fact that India was divided and a huge amount of people would have become citizens of Pakistan.

My dear General,
Thanks for this very informative documentation—all I can say is, the future is going to be quite un-certain & specially in India where we seem to forget things quite easily & still have the ‘ chalta hai’ attitude & also brag to defy the worst !
On a different note—your tailpiece also needs very serious pondering—–one single human being carrying such viruses could be dam side more effective than a Bofor’s gun !
Warm regards,
Zal.

Dear Surjit,
Very well analysed and presented. Indeed an eye opener. Frankly I was not aware of Spanish Flu. Thank you for educating me.
Trust you and your family are hale and hearty.
Best wishes and deep rgds.
Suresh

Hi Surjit ,
Thanks for sharing well researched paper .
I feel it is too premature to predict the course
of this virus .
With the availability of better med facilities
and research going on , doctors may able to
control it .
It is going to be a long battle and we have to prepare
our selves for future waves .
GOD helps those who help themselves .
With warm regard and best wishes .

going back to a century & recalling the pandemic of that era when the world population was not so alarming as compared to the present situation. The gap between the aristocracy & the commoner was much less & the needs too were limited. Today we are living in a different environment, the gap has increased many fold amongst have & have not, living conditions are far from satisfactory in spite of progress in all the fields you name.
How, why & where this Virus has emanated is no more relevant, what is the need of the hour is that the citizens of the world understand their individual & collective responsibility to face this invisible enemy & learn to fight it without any reservations. The fear needs to be understood & if each one plays its social role the day is not far that this battle will be won. The entire worlds demography will be overhauled, living style, working methods, Industrial Scenario, the respect & equation amongst the countries – developed, under developed, advanced & powerful will have very little impact, the tourism industry will have to reinvent itself & people will have to take a call to explore their own country first & then venture for the others, it is going to take a long to evade the fear of the unknown.
Presently let us pray that the confidence is restored & the universe gets back to its normal functioning & the worlds peace is restored. Let us learn to live with due care & HOPE.

1.A good research paper with supporting statistics.
2.Life style is likely to undergo a major change as people are likely to live with what they have.Family bond is likely to increase and concept of nuclear family to joint family may get a boost.
3. Digitisation and dependence on internet are likely to get a major boost.
4.People are likely to be God fearing and Human Gods are likely to be discarded over a period of time.

maybe we will also introspect , and start realizing the inner journey or travel is far more satisfactory and safe Vs this romanticized version of constant need and longing for- “new experiences “, that the modern travel and commercial world had us hooked to.
Secondly, the world order will change, and clearly it will spring up many new opportunities for some who are willing to adapt early to the new ways of working – people less – call it online or with greater efficiency.

loved the article especially as it throws up the reason why it was so big in India and most of us think this happened only in Europe and US .

A free modern press is overdoing it now , which was completely missing then .

Sir
Excellent analogies drawn and the graphics to support the views.
There are two thoughts. Maybe the impact is larger than what is dramatized over media since so many cases not reported due to background illiteracy .The other one is since such a large population is BPL that they have hardened body mechanisms, and can withstand this virus along with other contaminations that the body is conditioned to. Maybe the proverbial thick skins, are a blessing in disguise.

By the evidence so far before all nations, the search for the reason & the cure is still on & likely to be so for the coming few yrs. The conspiracy theory is being tossed around like a shuttle with no clear winner & this is likely to be a match of long rallies.The head count of those affected & fatalities will continue for atleast a yr or so more & even the “mighty” countries will be scratching heads to find answers to the health & economic tsunami that has struck each one. Even the developing nations are in the same mould. The pandemic is yet to strike the African continent & its effects on that continent & as a result thereof on the rest of the world are yet to be appreciated or realised. Therefore, the world is not yet at the half way stage even wrt the effect on it by the pandemic.
Am hoping that the world realises that the effect of the lockdowns all over have had a positive effect on the environment which countries including China were battling earlier. Global warming has been a bone of contention between USA & the others & the current positivity should be a lesson for all. The impetus, so badly needed, should come post Covid 19 & hopefully, we the super citizens may see the twilight yrs with cleaner air & water. The chances of it happening are remote though going by the adage that “Humans have a short Memory”.
For all we known humans may strike back at nature with a vengeance blaming it the for the pandemic whereas going by the evidence it’s going to the 1st man made pandemic, second, if The Atom Bomb attach on Japan is taken as the 1st.
Good luck for all of us in the coming yrs.

Most current topic. COVID 19.
Time has come to reset the button as on your computers.
We all will have to start afresh with less money, more poor people and no money in the coffers of present Government.
If we can go back and findout which year was our GDP was 1.5 ; then we can start at that levels of salaries and standard of living.
IMF has predicted that in India 400 million will fall below the poverty line.
We may also emerge as a better society. Maids and Cooks will become part of one’s family. We will have more respect for sanitation workers, Nurses and Doctors.
It is a humbling experience. I hope we all will endure the next decade gracefully.

At a personal level,I feel it is the most humbling experience to live in these times, not to relegate the difficulties veterans like us go through. The Spanish Flu was much more bigger, but it was a different world then. No one except thos affected directly, worried about it .
Yes,the conspiracy theorists allege it was a testing ground for biological war – hypotheses for which existed way back during the cold war period. Hope we will be enlightened more in the days to come.
Someone wrote in Social media – Positive is the most Negative word in 2020.